Zakai Zeigler is a distinguished American college basketball player who has significantly contributed to the University of Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team. Born on August 2, 2002, in Long Island, New York, he stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and plays as a point guard.
Early Life and Education
Zeigler attended Our Saviour Lutheran School in The Bronx, New York, after transferring from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, New Jersey. As a freshman at Immaculate Conception, he averaged 20.3 points and 4.6 assists per game. He committed to the University of Tennessee over offers from Minnesota, Boston College, and Wichita State.
College Career
Since joining the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021, Zeigler has made a significant impact:
- 2021-2022 Season: Averaged 8.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
- 2022-2023 Season: Increased his averages to 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game before an ACL injury ended his season prematurely.
- 2023-2024 Season: Returned to form, averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He earned the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team for the fourth consecutive year, making him the first player in conference history to achieve this honor.
2024-2025 Season Highlights
In his senior year, Zeigler continued to excel:
- Averaged 13.5 points and 7.3 assists per game, ranking fifth nationally in assists.
- Led Tennessee to the SEC Tournament championship game, where they narrowly lost to Florida. Zeigler’s performance throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the SEC All-Tournament Team.
Coaching and Personal Development
Zeigler shares a close relationship with Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes, who has been instrumental in his development both on and off the court. Their bond is evident in their interactions and mutual respect.
Career Statistics
Over his collegiate career, Zeigler has accumulated impressive statistics:
- Career Averages: 10.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
- Shooting Efficiency: 38.8% from the field, 33.4% from three-point range, and 79.4% from the free-throw line.
Personal Life
Zakai’s half-brother, Armoni, plays for the Saint Peter’s Peacocks men’s basketball team. The two faced each other in a memorable matchup during the 2024 March Madness tournament, highlighting their family’s deep basketball roots.
For a deeper insight into Zakai Zeigler’s journey and impact, you might find this video informative: